Thirteen Monkeys Dead After Fire Breaks Out At Woburn Safari Park

A fire at Woburn Safari Park has taken the lives of 13 monkeys earlier today.

The fire started in the Jungle Enclosure in the early hours of the morning. Firefighters arrived at 2.37am but the roof of the building had already collapsed, the Metro reports.

Credit: Woburn Safari Park

The Patras monkey house, where the fire broke out, is where the monkeys were kept during the winter months at nighttime.

The safari park has issued a statement, which reads:
"Staff and fire crews attended the scene, however devastatingly for
everyone at the park, none of the thirteen animals could be saved.

"All
other animals within the jungle drive-through enclosure are being monitored,
but early signs suggest that they have not been affected.

"An
investigation is under way into the cause of the fire and whilst the park will
remain open, the Jungle enclosure will remain closed for investigation.

"The
park is grateful to the quick response from Bedfordshire Fire Brigade, who
attended with three appliances."

As 13 of the monkeys sadly died, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the enclosure was left 90 percent damaged by the fire.

A spokesperson from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said: "Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at a monkey enclosure at Woburn Safari Park at 2.37am this morning (Tuesday 2 January 2018).

"When firefighters from Woburn and Dunstable Community Fire Stations arrived along with the water carrier from Toddington they found the outbuilding housing Patas monkeys was well alight and its roof had fallen in. They fought the fire using fire hoses while wearing breathing apparatus to protect themselves from the smoke and fumes. The building was 90% damaged by the fire.

"The fire was spotted by security guards on a routine patrol. There were a number of fatalities amongst the monkeys housed in the building. The incident was closed at 4.46am."

Claire Reid

Claire Reid is a journalist at LADbible. Claire graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a BA in journalism. She’s previously worked at Trinity Mirror. Since joining LADbible, Claire has worked on pieces for the UOKM8? mental health campaign, the Yemen crisis, life in the Calais Jungle as well as a profile of a man who is turning himself into a cyborg.

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